Bulletin of the

Museum

of

Comparative Zoology

HARVARD UNIVERSITY
Vol. 131, No. 13

THE LYNX SPIDERS OF NORTH AMERICA,
NORTH OF MEXICO (ARANEAE OXYOPIDAE)
:

By Allen

R.

Brady

CAMBRIDGE, MASS.,

U.S.A.

PRINTED FOR THE MUSEUM
September, 1964



Bull.

Mus. Conip.

Zool.,

Ihiivaid

I'liiv.,

131

(13) :429-r)18 Septomber

19()4.

— THE LYNX SPIDERS OF NORTH AMERICA,
NORTH OF MEXICO {ARANEAE: OXYOI'JDAE)^

No. 13.

By
Allen

R.

Brady

CONTENTS
Page
Introduction


i'.VI

Genera of Oxyopidae
Superfamily Lycosoidea
Biology of the Oxyopidae
Acknowledgments
Walckenaerian Names
Methods
Taxonomic Section
Oxyopidae Thorell
Key to Genera
Oxyopes Latreille
Species Groups of Oxyopes
Males
Key to Species of Oxyopes
Key to Species of Oxyopes
Females
Oxyopes acleistus Chamberlin
Oxyopes aureus sp. n
Oxyopes aglossus Chamberlin
Oxyopes occidens sp. n
Oxyopes apollo sp. n
Oxyopes floridanus sp. n
Oxyopes tridens sp. n
Oxyopes pardus sp. n
Oxyopes lynx sp. n.
Oxyopes felinus sp. n
Oxyopes salticu^ Hentz
Oxyopes scalaris Hentz


—
—

.

Hamataliwa Keyserling
Eamataliwa helia (Chamberlin)
Hamataliwa unca sp. n.
Hamataliiva grisea Keyserling

435
436
438
439
442

444
446
447
448
452
453

454
457
461

464
467


469
472
474
475

476
478
484
496
497
499
501

Peucetia viridans (Hentz)

505
506

Peucetia longipalpis F.O.P.-Cambridge

512

Feucetia Thorell

List of Collectors

Literature Cited

1


433

515
516

This study was presented to the Department of Biolopy at Harvard UniverDoctor of Phi-

sity in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of

losophy.


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INTRODUCTION
The family Oxyopidae comprises 371- described

species dis-

tributed chiefly throughout the tropical and subtropical regions
of the world. This investigation is concerned with the evolution-


ary relationships and distribution of those species occurring
north of Mexico. Of the 17 species involved, most occur only in
the southern United States, but several occur over wide areas
in the temperate and colder regions of North America. Oxyopcs
salticus

and 0.

scalaris ranges

Mexico.

scalaris are found from coast to coast, and 0.
from British Columbia and Labrador to northern

It is of interest that several

widely distributed species

of Oxyopes are also found in the temperate regions of

Europe

and Asia.
Large collections from Central America, Mexico and the West
Indies were examined to determine the range of the oxyopids

found north of Mexico. This study also illuminated the relationship between the Mexican, Central American and West
Indian faunas and that of temperate North America. A preliminary examination of the species occurring in the Neotropical

region reveals that the number of described species of Oxyopidae
will almost certainly be doubled when the tropical regions have
been fully investigated.
The oxyopid types of 0. Pickard-Cambridge and F. 0. PickardCambridge (1894, 1902), deposited in the British Museum (Natural History), were examined as a part of this study. Their
examination provided the information that determined whether
or not the names used by 0. P.- and F. 0. P.-Cambridge should
be applied to any of the oxyopids found north of Mexico.
C. A. Walckenaer (1838, 1841) in his "Histoire Naturelle des
Insects" described six species of Oxyopidae from the Georgia
region of the United States. These descriptions were based on

John Abbot (1792).
The drawings are expertly done and adequate for identification
of some species. However, it is often difficult or impossible to
decide on the basis of color pattern what species is figured, and

the drawings in the unique manuscript of

only if the specimen were at hand, or the genitalia figured, could
one make an accurate decision. Walckenaer had few specimens
to guide him and frequently placed spiders in the wrong family,

Sphasus vittatus Walckenaer is obviously a clubionid, not
an oxyopid. The Abbot manuscript, also deposited in the British

e.g.

2

Based on latest records


in the Zoological

Record,

vol. 98, sect.

12, 1961.


BRADY

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SPIDERS

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433

Museum

(Natural History), was examined and the drawings
photographed. These colored photographs are deposited in the
Museum of Comparative Zoology. The names pertaining to the
Oxyopidae that AValekonaer applied to the drawings of Abbot

and Bosc (1800) are discussed below.

GENERA OP OXYOPIDAE
Eleven genera are placed

number

of species

are listed in Table

in the O.xyopidae at present. The
the geographical distribution of species
This list, based on that of Roewer (1954),

and
I.

Of the eleven genera
have examined representatives of five {Oxyopes, Hamataliwa, Peucetia, Oxyopeidon, and Tapinillus) m collections
from the entire world, with particular attention to those species
occurring in North America, Mexico, Central America and the
"West Indies. From this study I conclude that Oxyopeidon must
be sjaionymized with Hamataliwa, as Bryant (1948) has already
pointed out. The genus Oxyopeidon was differentiated from
includes the species described through 1961.

listed, I

Hamataliwa by the position of the anterior median eyes (AME)

and by the spacing of the posterior median eyes (PME). Not
only do such differences occur between closely related species,
but these differences in eye arrangement may occur between
sexes of the same species. The genus Hamataliwa is, therefore,
redefined. From the descriptions in the literature it is apparent
that the genus Lacsfrygones Urquhart is not an an oxyopid and
should be removed from the Oxyopidae, as has been done by
Bryant (1933) and Forster (1955).
The descriptions of Hostus paroculus Simon and Pseudohostus
squamosus Rainbow, the type species of monotypic genera, place
them well wathin the range of variation found among species of
Oxyopes. Simon (1898) places Meguilla trxmcaia Thorell, another type species, in the genus Hamataliwa where it probably
belongs. Remaining in the family Oxyopidae, then, are six valid
genera: Oxyopes, Peucetia, Hamataliwa, Tapinillus, Schaeniosceles, and Tapponia. Laestrygones should be removed from the
Oxyopidae. Oxyopeidon most certainly and Meguilla probably
should be synonymizecl with Hamataliwa. The monotypic genera
Hostns and Pseudohostus are probably synonyms of Oxyopes.
The structure of the genitalia, particularly of the male palpus,
serves as an accurate indicator of generic as well as specific relationships. The above conclusions regarding the placement of


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genera were based on characters of the genitalia together with

general body form and color, and the relative length of the legs.
The arrangement of the eyes and the width of the various eye
rows prove useful in separating some genera (Tables II and
III), but they were not used as the primary basis for establishing
genera, as in the past. The examination of oxyopids from all
parts of the world has indicated that the genus Hamataliwa,

Table

I

GENERA OF OXYOPIDAE
Genus
Author

tI^££rS_p_e_c_!jjJ
Ui'JM.'i'iLwS

Geographical

Number

_D.'JJli^L'fi?_

°f APli'AL

Keyserling, 1887

Neotropical


Simon, 1898

Madagascar

Urquhart,

New Zealand and
Subantarctic Isls.

14

(gHsea)
H^JiJil

I

<£5L°5.y.L4A}

Ljjestr^iones^

1-894

(ii^'JLlTJj)

Thorell, 1897

Indochina

Ojcj^jjidon
rpufum)


0. P. -Cambridge, 1894

Ethiopian
Neotropical

Ojcy^jej
(heteroDhthalmus)
^

Latreille, 1804

MAM-UI?.

3

I

(truncal a)

Palaearctic
Ethiopian
Oriental

5

24
19

93

45

Malay Peninsula
to New Guinea
Australian
Neotropical
Nearctic
E3J^S3lL%.
(viridis)

Thorell, 1869

Palaearctic
Ethiopian
Oriental

Australian
Neotropical
Neotropical and
Nearctic

I

23

47
1

5


25
4
2

22
I

fj^i)i.dj)ji^jius
(squam_o_sjj_s)

Rainbow, 1915

Australian

SiJ?jei>ioi££iLS_

Simon, 1898

Neotropical

7

Simon, 1898

Neotropical

4

Simon, 1885


Malay Peninsula
and East Indies

I

(elegans)

Jj^inLL'jJ
(j_on|_i_p_e_s)

iJJJ^jJa
(micans_)

Total

[^3

37

Based on Roewer (1954) with additions from the Zoological Record through
vol. 98, sect. 12, 1961.

1


BRADY: LYNX SPIDERS OF NORTH AMERICA

when propcfly diagnosed,

435


undoubtedly prove to have a
Oxyopes and Peiicetia. It is
also possible that the large genus Oxyopes may be found to consist of several distinct groups each deserving generic status.
-will

distribution comparable to that of

SUPERFAMILV LVCOSOIDEA
The oxyopids are grouped with the Agelenidae, Lycosidae,
Pisauridae and Senoculidae in the superfamily Lycosoidea by
most araneologists. The Oxyoi)idae, in common with most members of these families, po.ssess: eight eyes, three tarsal claws
without claw tufts, three pairs of spinnerets, two lung books
opening at the corners of the epigastric furrow, a single tracheal
opening in front of the anterior spinnerets, and a rather large
colulus. In addition, all members of this superfamily, with the
exception of the Agelenidae, have the trochanters notched. The
trochanters of pisaurids and lycosids are more deeply notched
than in oxj^opids, while most agelenids do not have notches,
although some do, according to V. D. Roth (per. comm.).
The lynx spiders are a highly specialized group of the Lycosoidea that is, they are probably more unlike the ancestral stock
than any other family in this complex. The agelenids, lycosids
and pisaurids are linked by intermediate forms, whereas it is
difficult to find intermediates between the oxyopids and any of
these three families. I am not familiar with the spiders of the
family Senoculidae except by examination of preserved specimens. They also appear to be a very distinct group of the Lycosoidea, but some authors place them near the Oxyopidae (Simon,
1898). On the basis of morphological characters and reported
habits, I can see no close affinities between the Oxyopidae and
Senoculidae. Although the oxyopids form a distinct line of evolution, their affinities unmistakably lie with the lycosoids.
Unlike most other representatives of the families of the Lycosoidea, the Oxyopidae are most active during the day. Many

species are found running swiftly or jumping with great agility
among low shrubs and herbs. The North American oxyopids are
easily recognized in the field by the presence of numerous large
erect spines on the legs (Figs. 4, 49, 50, 121, 138) and by their
quick darting movements and sudden leaps. The posterior legs
are well developed, concomitant with their jumping ability. The
habits of these spiders and their relatively keen eyesight have
earned for them the name lynx spiders.
Under the microscope one can readilj^ identify the lynx spiders
;


436

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by their peculiar hexagonal eye arrangement (Figs. 1-3, 108-111,
136, 137). The eye arrangement and the spines on the legs most
readily separate the oxyopids from all other families of spiders.
In addition, the lynx spider fixes its egg ease to a twig or leaf
it with a netAvork of silk, or suspends it from a small
limb or branch with a guy-line. The female always stands guard
over the egg case until the young emerge. The nearest counterpart to this type of maternal behavior is found in some pisaurids
that construct a so-called nursery web and remain near the egg
case until the young spiderlings appear. In addition to this
behavioral similarity, some tropical pisaurids, such as Thanatidius, with long thin legs and many spines, resemble Peucctia and

Tapinillus in general structure. Thanatidius also inhabits tall
grass and herbaceous vegetation as do many of the oxyopids. For
these reasons I think that the nearest living relatives of the lynx

and enmeshes

spiders are

among

the Pisauridae.

BIOLOGY OF THE OXYOPIDAE
The Oxyopidae are diurnal hunting spiders. Most of the lynx
move actively about in search of prey. However, they
often pause and assume a characteristic prey-catching posture
to await their victim. Hamataliwa lies very still waiting in
ambush for its prey, as do many crab spiders. The great majority of oxyopids live in tall grass, low shrubs and herbaceous
vegetation. A few {Hamataliwa) are evidently arboreal in habits
and some appear to run over the bare ground.
That relatively little is known concerning the biology of the
Oxyopidae is due chiefly to the difficulty of observing these

spiders

spiders in the

field.

Probably 95 per cent of the oxyopids


col-

by sweeping; thus they are observed only when
they appear in the sweep-net. Judging from their local abundance, the lynx spiders are among the major predators of insects
occurring in low shrubs and herbaceous vegetation. Very few

lected are taken

observations have been made on the feeding habits of the lynx
Recent investigations by W. H. Whitcomb and associates (1963) have disclosed that the lynx spiders are important
predators of crop-damaging insects. Oxyopes salticus, one of the

spiders.

most common spiders of the cotton

fields in Arkansas, has been
reported as the chief predator of the cotton boll worm. Peucctia
viridans is also an important predator on insect pests of cotton
fields. Although several species of Oxyopes have been recovered
from the nest of the mud-dauber, Sccliphron cocmentarium, these


BRADY

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437

ox^-opids do not constitute a large part of the prey of this wasp.

Among

thousands of specimens of oxyopids examined during
very rarely was an egg case found. In
several hundred vials containing Oxijopcs salticus, only two egg
cases were discovered. These were roughly spherical and about
in diameter; one contained 55 spiderlings and the other
3.5
18-20 eggs, each a little less than 1 mm in diameter. The extreme
rarity of oxyopid egg cases is probably due to the method of collecting the.se spiders. In sweeping the vegetation the spiders
are dislodged, but the egg cases, firmly attached to the vegetation, are not. Egg cases of Peucctia viridans, a much larger and
more conspicuous lynx spider than Oxyopcs salticus, are encountered more frequently. These egg sacs are rounded, from
12-25
in diameter, flattened on one side, and, except in the
Southwest, have pointed projections on the surface. The eggs
are about 1.5 mm in diameter. The number of eggs in an egg
case is dependent on many factors and for that reason is extremely variable. The contents of nine egg cases of Peucetia
viridans ranged from 197 to 602 eggs. Often the chief factor in
determining the number of eggs deposited is probably the size
of the individual spider, larger spiders depositing more eggs than
smaller ones of the same species. Peucctia viridans, the largest
North American lynx spider, produces many more eggs than

the much smaller species of Oxyopes.
The North American lynx spiders evidently have one generation per j^ear and probably construct only one egg case. The
adults of several species of Oxyopcs appear first in late spring
(May and early June) and are most abundant in July and August. Adult Peucetia appear later, in late July and August,
and are most abundant in August and September. In general
there seems to be a correlation between the size of the species
and its date of maturity. Smaller species of Oxyopcs ajipear as
adults in May, while Peucctia reaches maturitj^ in July. From
the limited information and observations made, it appears that
most lynx spiders over-winter in the egg case as embryos or first
instar spiderlings however, in the extreme southern portions of
their ranges there are probably several generations per year and
this investigation only

mm

mm

;

may be found at any season.
Although very few observations have been made of oxyopids
ballooning, they undou])tedly employ this means of dispersal.
adults

Gliek (1939), in his study of the distribution of in.sects, spiders
and mites in the air, reported 21 specimens of Oxyopcs and one


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Peucetia taken from 200-3,000 feet (70-1000 m), most nearer the
lower elevation. These 22 specimens were collected from August,
1926 to October, 1931, in the air over Tallulah, Louisiana.
Suzuki (1952) reported that the chromosomes of five species
of Oxyopes had been studied. All five species had 11 chromosex-determining mechansomes in the haploid state and an

XO

The XO-mechanism of the male (2N = 21), as well as the
number of chromosomes, was similar to that found in the subfamily Misumeninae of the family Thomisidae. In one species of
Peucetia studied by Suzuki there were 13 autosomes and 2
X-chromosomes of different size. The male of Peucetia (2N = 28)
was similar in these characters to many Philodromus species, as
ism.

well as to most species of Lycosidae that were studied.
Since the oxyopids are diurnal and possess relatively keen

probably plays an important role
primary isolating mechanism. Mating in the Oxyopidae,
however, has been observed onlj^ rarely, and the comparative
aspects of this behavior are unknown. Gerhardt (1928, 1933)
has observed courtship behavior in two European lynx spiders,

Oxyopes ramosus and Oxyopes heterophthalmus. Although males
of 0. heterophthalmus readily displayed, Gerhardt (1933) succeeded in mating these spiders in captivity only once. Copula-

sight, their courtship behavior

as a

is in the modified running-spider position (see Kaston, 1948,
2006). The male approaches the female from in front and
climbs on top. The venter of the female is slightly turned toward one side, allowing insertion of the palpus. In 0. heterophthalmus the large tibial process (Fig. 101) of the male is
used to orient the palpus. The male swings itself around 180°
so that its body is in the same direction as the female's. No

tion

fig.

observations of the mating behavior of North American oxyopids
have been recorded. A comparison of courtship behavior in the
lynx spiders would, undoubtedly, prove most informative.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I am greatly indebted to Dr. H. W. Levi of the Museum of
Comparative Zoology, who, by his helpful advice, useful suggestions and constant encouragement, has made the preparation
of this paper a much easier task. The collections of the Museum
of Comparative Zoology and the library of this institution were
invaluable to me during this investigation. I wish to thank

sincerely Dr.
posal,


W.

J.

Gertsch

who placed

the very large collec-

American Museum of Natural History at my disthus making possible a tlioi'ougli and comi)lete analysis of

tions of the


HKADY

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species.

:

LYNX

SPIDERS OF

NORTH AMERICA


439

Dr. Gertscli was kind enough to include specimens
and they are

that he liad previously recognized as new species
described in this study -with his permission.

During the course

I spent several weeks
(Natural History) where I examined
the types of 0. P.- and F. 0. P.-Cambridge. Photographs were
also made of the plates of John Abbot (1792) which are deposited in the library of that museum. I am grateful to Dr. G.
Owen Evans, Mr. Douglas Clark and Mr. Keith Hyatt for making my visit to the British Museum (Natural History) a most
pleasant and profitable one. Professor M. Vachon supplied
photographs of the Bosc plates, which are kept in the library of
the Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris.
A travel grant provided by the Evolutionary Biology Committee of the Biology Department of Harvard University made
the trip to the British Museum (Natural History) possible. I
wish to thank the Biology Department of Harvard University
also for financial aid on several collecting trips into the southern
United States.
Collections of Mrs. D. L. Frizzell (Dr. H. Exline) and Mr.
J. A. Beatty aided me in this study considerably and 1 appreciate their loans in behalf of this investigation.
To the following persons and their respective institutions I
wish to express my thanks for supplying regional collections
that provided a more complete picture of the geographical distribution of certain species: Dr. H. K. Wallace, University of
Florida Mr. Vincent D. Roth, Southwestern Research Station
Dr. F. G. Werner, University of Arizona Dr. George Byers,

University of Kansas; Miss Beatrice Vogel, University of Colorado Museum; and Dr. C. A. Triplehorn, Ohio State University.
A special debt of gratitude is owed to jMrs. Lorna Levi for

at the British

of this investigation

Museum

;

;

critically

examining and editing the rough draft of

this

manu-

Miss Susan Koelle mapped the species distributions and
constructed the Dice-Leraas diagrams. National Institutes of
Health grant AI-01944 helped defray some expenses involved
script.

in this study.

WALCKENAERIAN NAMES
in Volume I of "Histoire Naturelle des

named and described, from the Georgia region
North America, three new species of oxyopids in the genus

Walckenaer (1838)
Insectes Apteres,
of

'

'

Sphasus, a genus since synonymized with Oxyopes. In addition.


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Walckenaer (1838, 1841) named and described three species of
Clastes, placed in the family Sparassidae, from the Georgia region. The six names that concern us in this paper were applied
to the original drawings of the unique manuscript of John Abbot (1792). Since they were rediscovered in the British Museum
(Natural History) by McCook (1888), the Abbot drawings
have been considered the types of the Walckenaerian names
by most North American araneologists. They had been used

with some reservation, however, until Chamberlin and Ivie
(1944) attempted "to determine, as far as possible from available evidence, the proper application of the names based by
Walckenaer upon Abbot's drawings of the spiders of Georgia."
In their paper, Chamberlin and Ivie placed in synonymy manjwell-established names that had been used for North American
spiders. Involved are 282 names that Walckenaer applied to
drawings made by Abbot. These must be considered when revising almost any family of North American spiders. I agree
with Levi and Levi (1961) that these names can only be given
proper treatment by the investigator who has made a thorough
and intensive taxonomic study of the spider genera in question.
Unfortunately, Walckenaer made many mistakes in the identification of the Abbot drawings, and Chamberlin and Ivie have
made some errors in their all-inclusive determinations of the
Abbot drawings. A few of these errors are pointed out by Levi
and Levi (1961) and this investigation has disclosed several
more.

Of the three species of Sphas^(^ (= Oxyopes) described by
Walckenaer, only one appears to be an oxyopid. The disposition
of the three

is

as follows

Sphasus arcuatus Walckenaer (Abbot numbers 322, 323) is
not an Oxyopes, as it was designated ])y Chambei-lin and Ivie
(1944), but probably belongs in the theridiid genus SpinfJiarus.
There are no spines on the legs of this spider as figured by Abbot, an important characteristic of all oxyopids; the color pattern is not like that of any oxyopid that I have seen, but is simand the eye arilar to that of Spintha7-i(s fiavidus (Hentz)
rangement, a very important character, is not as in the Oxyopidae. Body form, coloration, and relative length of the legs
is like that in Spintharus fiavidus (Hentz).
Sphasus vittatus Walckenaer (Abbot number 369) is obviously not an oxyopid. Tliis spider was placed in the genus

Castianeira of the family Clubionidae by Chamberlin and Ivie
;


BRADY

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441

(1944). Judging from the original figure of Abbot, that is
where it probably belongs. However, no species is known to
which the description and figure can be applied.
Sphasus Janccolatus AValckenaer (Abbot number 42) is an
oxyopid. Chaml)erlin and Ivie (1944) described a species of
Oxijopcs under this name. Although they designated a neotype,
it has no validity since the holotype, namely Abbot's figure 42,
is still extant.
The neotype has since been misplaced or lost
and was not available for examination thus it cannot be compared with Abbot's original figure. We have only the figure of
Abbot to guide us, and the dorsal view, showing the color pattern and eye arrangement, is not sufficient for diagnosis in this
case. Tlie colored drawing of AbI)ot, much like that of Oxyopes
scalaris Hentz, may also be 0. aglossus Chamberlin or 0. acleistus Chamberlin. Chamberlin and Ivie (1944), however, considered these three species distinct from 0. lanceolatua. Oxyopes
;


has been perpetuated in the catalogues of Marx
Petrunkevitch (1911), Roewer (1954), and Bonnet
(1958). It has not otherwise been used in the literature except
by Chamberlin and Ivie (1944). Since the name 0. lanceolatus
might be applied to at least four distinct species, I think that
it is best considered a nomen duhium.
Three names proposed by AValckenaer (1838, 1841), Clastes
lanceolatus

(1890),

(Abbot number 401), C. roseiis (Abbot number 411),
(Abbot number 406), were recognized as the same
species by Chamberlin and Ivie (1944). They applied the name
Peucetia ahhoti (Walckenaer) to this large green lynx spider
of the southeastern United States. The name Peucetia viridans
(Hentz) had been used for this species for 100 years prior to
the change by Chamberlin and Ivie (1944). Hentz 's name actually has priority, having been used first in 1832, six years
ahboti

and

C. viridis

before "Walckenaer 's publication.

Walckenaer previously (1805) described and named another
oxyopid for a drawing appearing in the unique manuscript of
Bosc (1800) on the spiders of the Carolinas. This manudeposited in the Paris Museum. The drawing (Bosc,

1) was designated Aranea fossana by Bosc (1800),
and its description was published by Walckenaer (1805) who
called it SpJiasus fossanus. Judging by Bosc's drawing and the
description of Walckenaer, this species is Peucetia viridans
(Hentz). Oxyopa fossana was listed by Simon (1864) and the
name Oxyopes fossanus has been perpetuated in the catalogues
script

is

pi.

fig.

4,


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Marx (1890), Petriinkevitch (1911), Roewer (1954) and Bonnet (1958). The name has never been applied or used in any
manner to designate a species of Oxyopidae. It is here con-

of


nomen

sidered a

ohlitum.

In summary, the following' dispositions have been made of
the Walckenaerian names: SpJiasus arcuatus is probably Spintharus flavidus Hentz Sphasus vittatus is probably a Castianeira; Sphasus lanceolatiis is a species of Oxyopes, but there is
some doubt as to which one; Clastes ahhoti, C. roseus, and C.
Spliasns fossanus is
virklis are Peucetia viridans (Hentz).
probably Peucetia viridans (Hentz), and is considered a nomen
;

ohlitum.

METHODS
Measurements. Two sets of oculars with accompanying grids
were used in combination with low and high power objectives
for making measurements. The higher power combination was
used in measuring the width of the eye rows and was determined
to be accurate to 0.0125 mm or one-tenth unit of the micrometer
grid. The lower power combination was used to measure the
body dimensions and leg lengths and was determined to be accurate to 0.1 mm or one-tenth unit of the micrometer grid. A
measurement when retaken was nearly always read within one
unit of the original measurement with either of the above micrometer grids, e.g. an original measurement of 7.5 micrometer

when retaken yielded 7.4-7.6 units. In all cases the greatdimension of the structure was recorded, e.g. patella-tibia
length was measured as the greatest distance from a line tangent
to the most proximal part of the patella to a line tangent to the

most distal part of the tibia. All available specimens of sparsely
collected species were measured and a set of 30 specimens of
each sex was measured for those species abundantly repreunits
est

sented in collections.
series of 15 measurements involving various components
of the spider was made for each specimen. The range and mean
of the total length for each species is given in its description
and the relative length of the legs is also given. Other diagnostic measurements are recorded for Oxyopes in Table II and
for Hamataliwa and Peucetia in Table III. The segments of

A

measured from the prolateral aspect, as was patellaThe patellae-tibiae of legs III and IV were measured

leg I were
tibia II.

from

their retrolateral aspect.


BRADY

:

LYNX


SPIDERS OF

NORTH AMERICA

443

Figures and color descriptions. The color deserij)tions and
on fresh alcoholic specimens in most cases
and represent these species as they appear in nature. Tlie genus
Peucctia is an exception. Tliis spider is bright green in life,
but the color Avashes out rapidly in alcohol. Therefore, an attempt was made to describe both preserved and living animals
illustrations are based

of Peucetia.

Color descriptions and illustrations Avere made under low
power (15X) of a dissecting microscope, with the spider illnminated by a microscope lamp. The well-marked specimens are
those in which the hairs forming the color pattern have not been
rubbed off. Where variation is great, the color pattern or patof the greatest number of specimens is
with significant differences noted. Well-preserved
alcoholic specimens of Oxyopes and Hamataliiva are very similar in coloration to the living spider. The most fre(iuent differences are caused by shrinking in alcohol, Avhich disrupts the
pattern on the abdomen, and rubbing off of the spatulate appressed hairs that make up much of the color pattern in these

terns representative
described,

two genera.
For each species the face view as well as the dorsal view of
a male and female (Avhen available) was drawn, with additional
drawings to indicate variation. At least two drawings of the

female genitalia Avere made for each species a A^entral external
view of the epigynum after all the hair had been removed (often
revealing some internal structure through the integument), and
:

a dorsal internal vicAV Avith the separated genitalia submerged in
The female genitalia of all species of
Oxyopes and IlomataUwa are draAvn to the same scale. Peucetia
The scales are indicated on the
is draAvn on a smaller scale.
plates. Two views of the male palpi Avere draAvn for each species
a ventral a'Icav and a retrolateral view. The left palpi of the
males were drawn after gently scraping them free of hair to
reveal the palpal sclerites and the tibial and patellar apophyses.
No attempt Avas made to indicate hirsuteness or spination in
these drawings. All palpi of Oxyopes and Hamataliwa are
draAvn to the same scale. Peucetia palpi are draAvn on a smaller
clove oil for clearing.

scale.

That area referred to as the face is, in oxyopids, the anterior
head as seen from in front (Figs. 1 and 5).
comprises the frontal aspect of the carapace and includes

vertical plane of the
It

the front of the chelicerae.



BULLETIN

444

MUSEUM OF COMPARATIVE ZOOLOGY

:

Records. Complete records for all the specimens examined
during this investigation are listed in the Doctoral Dissertation.
Copies of the dissertation are deposited in the library of the
Biological Laboratories and in Widener Library, Harvard UniLocality records are listed geographically by states in
a sequence from north to south and from east to west. Counties are listed alphabetically under states, cities and towns
alphabetically under counties. Counties only are listed when a
particular species is abundantly represented and obviously
common in a given geographic area. For less well collected
species full information is provided. The number of specimens
collected at each locality is indicated, with thq lower case "o"
representing immature specimens in the same manner that the
$ and 9 signs represent the mature sexes. Collectors' initials,
following the localities, are listed in a separate index at the rear
of this paper. Occasional collectors are given by name.
versity.

TAXONOMIC SECTION
Family OXYOPIDAE Thorell
Oxyopidae Thorell, 1870, Nova Aeta, Eeg. Soe. Sci. Uppsala, Stockholm,
7(3):188, 196. Type-genus Oxyopes^ Latreille, 1804.


Anterior row recurved, except in some
Characteristics. Eyes
Hamataliwa. Anterior median eyes (AME) smallest, much
smaller than the anterior lateral eyes (ALE). Posterior row
procurved {exce-pt in Tapiiiillus) Posterior median eyes (PME)
:

.

equal in size to posterior lateral eyes (PLB) both pairs larger
than the AME, but smaller than the ALE, which are the largest
;

(Figs.

1-3,

108-111,

136,

smallest in width, the

row, and subequal to

137).

The

AME


row

is

much

the

ALE row is always larger than the AME
the PME row, except in Peucetia, Tapinil-

and some Hamataliwa (compare Table II with Table III).
The PLE row is the widest.
The chelicerae are very long and tapering at the distal end,
and the fangs are short. The base of the fang occupies most
of the distal end of the chelicera. The cheliceral margins are
short and armed with one tooth on each side of the anterior and
posterior margins (Oxyopes and Hamataliwa) or without teeth
{Peucetia and Tapinillus)
The boss on the anterior lateral
lus,

.

3

According

sharp-eyed.


to Thorell

(18(59)

Oi^yopvs

is

derived from the Greelj and means


BRADY: LYNX SPIDERS OF NORTH AMERICA
face of

tlie cliolicera

and

445

not so proiuiuciit as in agolenitls, pisaur-

is

articular sockets of the chelicerae at
the lower marfjins of the face are heavily selerotized and dai-kly

ids


Tlie

lycosids.

j)i
The cephalothorax
Oxyopes (Figs. 2, 3,

The drawinj^s of
and Ilamataliwa (Figs. 109, 111, 114) indicate the form of the carapace
from above. Oxyopes has the carapace high and convex, sloping sharply at the thoracic declivity and at the sides. The face
is

almost vertical.

in

many

species,

is

variable

6), Pcucetia

in

shai)e.

(Figs. 137, 142)

Ilamataliwa has the carapace even higher

more sharply

vertical at the thoracic declivity

and sides, but with the face sometimes sloping more gradually
and not vertical, as illustrated in Figures 109 and 111. Pcucetia
has the carapace more flattened, not as convex as in Oxyopes,
and tapering gradually to the sides. This genus is more lycosid
in appearance than the others. The thoracic groove is ]:)rominent in Peucefia, and not deep, but also usually well marked
in Oxyopes and Hamataliwa.
The labium is always longer than wide and the endites exceed
greatly its length and converge in front of it (Figs. 10 and 139).
The sternum is roughly heart-shaped or shield-shaped (Figs. ]0
and 139), and tapers behind to a thin projection between the
posterior coxae.

The abdomen is elongate, widest immediately behind the base
and more or less sharply tapering behind. In Oxyopes it is
ovoid or elliptical and tapers sharply behind in Hamataliwa,
truncate near the base and again tapering to a point but in
Pcucetia the abdomen is somewhat cylindrical, more elongate
than in the two preceding genera, and tapering more gradually
;

;

to the spinnerets.

The abdomen

connected to the cephalothorax by a short
from above. The superior lorum, usually
visible from above, is composed of a single undivided sclerite.
It is divided into two sclerites in the Lycosidae and Pisauridae.
is

pedicle, often visible

The six spinnerets are terminal. The cylindrical anterior
spinnerets consist of a relatively large basal segment and an
The posterior
abbreviated, almost ring-like, apical segment.
spinnerets, also two-segmented, are about the same length as the
anterior, but more slender in diameter, with the apical segment
shorter than the basal one, but larger than the distal segment
of the anterior spinnerets. The tiny middle spinnerets are well

hidden in their position between and slightly forward of the


BULLETIN

446

MUSEUM OF COMPARATIVE ZOOLOGY

:

The second segment of the posterior spinnerets
tapered on its inner surface where it is supplied with a number of rather large spigots (tiny finger-like projections that
house the openings of the silk glands). A short obtuse colulus is
present immediately in front of the anterior spinnerets. The
anal tubercle is prominent, roughly triangular in shape, and
subsegmented.
The long legs are of unequal length (Figs. 4, 49, 50, 121, 138).
The relative length of the legs is useful in separating genera and
species groups. The order of leg length may be I-II-IV-III,
I.II=IV-III, I-II-III-IV or IV-I-II-III. The "males have more
elongate tarsi and metatarsi than the females and longer legs
in relation to their body length (Tables II and III). The legs
are armed with very long spines, one of the most conspicuous
characteristics of the family (Figs. 4, 49, 50, 121, 138). The
trochanters have a shallow, crescent-shaped depression on the
posterior ones.
is

ventral surface.

There are three tarsal claws, the superior pair largest and
provided with many fine teeth, the single inferior claw very
small, with two or three fine teeth.
The integument of most oxyopids is copiously supplied with
flattened, appressed hairs of varying colors, but usually elliptical or spatulate in shape. There are also modified translucent,
flattened hairs, very scale-like in appearance, that give off

brilliant metallic hues of lavender, green and blue. The spatu-

much of the body and create the characpatterns of the species (particularly in the genus

late hairs often cover
teristic color

Oxyopes).

The structure of the genitalia has a definite pattern within
each genus. The palpi and epigyna are of prime importance in
determining generic as well as specific affinities. The different
structural patterns are discussed under each genus.

KEY TO GENERA
la.

Posterior cheliceral margin without teeth;

ALE

row obviously wider

PME

row; posterior eye row (PME and PLE) only slightly procurved (Pigs. 137, 142). Living specimens of bright green color
Peucetia
than

lb.

Posterior cheliceral margin with a single tooth on each side;

subequal to

PME

(Figs. 109, 111)
curved (Figs. 2,
in

color

;

row (Figs.

posterior eye
3,

or Figs.

3)

2,

row

109,

or

PME

(PME

111).

ALE row
ALE

much wider than

and PLE) strongly pro-

Living specimens not green
2


BRADY: LYNX SPIDERS OF NORTH AMERICA
Distance between PME suheciual to distaiicc
on each side (Figs. 2, 3)

2a.

2b.

Distance between

3a.

Leg IV

PME

much greater than

on each side (Figs. 109, 111)

Leg IV

to

Jielia)

Order of leg length I-IIO.ri/opcs

Order of log length

Hamatalhva

Nat.,

Type

24:135.

hclcropliihnlmiis Latreille, 1804, op.

Eyes:

larger than

size,

AME
AME.

cit.,

species

helia

by

Nouveau Diet.
monotypy: O.

24:13.5.

smallest;

but

I-II-

Latreille

1804, Tableau methodique des Insectes,

Arachnides,

Characffrisfics.

ALE

PLE

= IV-III or IV-I-II-III

small, subcqual in size to leg III.

Latreille,

equal in

PME

Ilaviataliwa (except S.

OXYOPES
Hist.

I'LE
.3

III-IV

Ozyopes

I'.MK and

distance from

robust, obviously longer than leg Til.

IV-III, I-II
3b.

lictwccii

447

PME

PLE

.iiid

sli
than

siil)-

ALE.

largest.

AME

row much the smaUest ALE row
of eye roAvs:
subequal to the PME row. PLE row much the widest (Table 11).
Cephalothorax high and convex, the cephalic region sometimes slightly elevated, sloping sharply at the thoracic declivily
and along the sides. The face is almost vertical.
Labium longer than wide (Fig. 10). Endites exceeding the
length of labium and converging in front of it.
Abdomen elongate, widest immediately behind base and t;ii)ering to spinnerets.
Legs very long in comparison to body length and nne(|ual in
relative length (Table II). Legs with numerous stout spines.
Order of leg length I-II-IV-III or I-II=IV-III {aclcistus group,
0. salticus, 0. scalaris) and IV-I-II-III (apollo group). Patellae-tibiae longer than femora or metatarsi, except on leg IV
in some cases, thereby serving as a good indicator of leg lengtli.
Integument richly supplied with flattened spatulate-shaped
hairs that provide contrasting color patterns over most of body.
In the ventral view of the left palpus of the male the emhohis
curves from the l:)ase along the mesal edge of the cymbium, and
describes a clockwise arc. The distal end of the embolus rests on
a well-developed conductor (at approximately one o'clock),
characteristic in size and shape for each species. At the point
where the embolus arises, there is usually a structure which 1
call the lamellar apophysis, also of characteristic form and size
for each species (Fig. 36).
Females with the epigyna variable, but with the internal
genitalia of rather simple structure and generally uniform

Width

;

BULLETIN

448

:

MUSEUM

OF COMPARATIVE ZOOLOGY

External openings of the epigynum
genus.
leading to a pair of heavily sclerotized bulb-shaped seminal receptacles. From the dorsal side of the seminal receptacles, a
pair of lightly sclerotized, almost invisible, fertilization ducts
arise and continue ventrally around the posterior neck of these

throughout the

bulbs (Fig. 15).

Species Groups of Oxyopes

The genus Oxyopes in North America may be separated into
the acleistus group containing
four species, the apollo group containing six species, and two
independent specie-s, 0. salticus and 0. scalaris. The establishment of these groups is based on similarities in genitalia, body
structure, color pattern, and the relative length of legs.
Acleistus group. In the acleistus group (0. acleistus, 0. aitrseveral distinct species groups

ciis,

:

0. arjlossns, 0. occiclens), the females have a broad, heavily

sclerotized bar

forming the epigynum and covering the open-

ings of the .seminal receptacles (Figs. 16, 20, 22, 24) or a less
heavily sclerotized epigynum with an inverse T-shaped central

opening as in Figures 14 and 19. The palpi of the males have
well-developed retrolateral tibial apophyses (Figs. 34, 36, 38.
40). Oxyopes acleistus, 0. aureus and 0. aglossus have distinct
black lines on the ventral surfaces of femora I, II and III.
Oxyopes occidens is the most divergent member of this group.
It does not have these black lines under the femora, but has the
same general color pattern. The epigynum as well as the male
palpus and relative length of the legs of 0. occidens ally it
to the acleistus group.
The lynx spiders of the acleistus group all have the first leg
longest and well developed. The second leg is usually next
in length, although the fourth leg may be almost as long and
is always more robust than the second leg.
The patellae-tibiae
are always I-II-IV-III in order of length (Table II). Femora
IV are always strongly developed and the metatarsi exceed the

length of the patellae-tibiae on leg IV.
A comparison of the species in this group is provided in Diagram 3 and a comparison of the acleistus group to other species
of Oxyopes is provided by Table II. Oxyopes acleistus and 0.
aureus are the two species most alike in the group. They are
very similar in the form of genitalia and in coloration and are
entirely
ever,

allopatric

in

distribution.

Oxyopes

acleistus,

appears to be consistently smaller than 0. aureus.

howOther


BRADY

:

LYNX

SPIDERS OF

NORTH AMERICA

449

two species are noted under the diagOxyopes aglossus is partially sympatrie
with 0. aureus (Map 1) and is definitely smaller in size (Table
II). Oxyopes aglossus and 0. acleistus are closer in size than
0. aureus and 0. acleistus and may exclude one another from
diii:crence.s

between

tliesc

nosis of 0. acleistus.

their ranges
cies,

we may

(Map

1).

Observing the distribution of these spe-

theorize that 0. aglossus has provided a barrier to

gene flow between 0. aureus and 0. acleistus and effectively
isolated these two speices.
The following hypothesis of historical events might explain
the present distributions of these three species. Oxyopes aureus
and 0. acleistus were once a continuous interbreeding population, distributed from Mexico along the Gulf Coast into Florida,
and this hypothetic species reached as far north as Kansas, Missouri, Illinois and Indiana.
This was during an interglacial

warm and favorable climate. Oxyopes aglossus
was even more northerly in distribution, reaching
southern Canada. It was excluded from the range of 0. aureusperiod of a more

at this time

ocleistus, the postulated species, because of its similar ecological

requirements. Later in their history these three incipient species
to retreat southward. For our purposes we may
think of their retreat as coinciding with the advance of the ice
cap during the Pleistocene. Oxyopes acleistus retreated into
penin.sular Florida while 0. aureus retreated to the southern tij)
of Texas and northern Mexico.
The advancing glacier also
forced 0. aglossus southward and it occupied the regions along

were forced

by 0. aureus and 0. acleistus, forming an
gene flow between these two species. In this
case we have probable historical events explaining the present

the Gulf Coast vacated

effective barrier to

distribution of these three species.

The relationships of the four species of the acleistus group
summarized in the following diagram. This diagram is
based primarily upon morphological characters, but also takes

are

into account distribution.

The
drawn
left,

lines leading

to

and 0. occidcns could be
and 0. aureus as well as to the
to both of these species. Oxyopes

0. aglossus

to the right of 0. acleistus

indicating equal similarity

is somewhat closer to 0. aglossus in genitalia, but resembles 0. aureus more in size and coloration.
Apollo group. The apollo group constitutes another complex
of species recognized by their color pattern, all having the fourth
leg longest and the palpus of the males with a well-developed
apophysis on the patella, with the one exception of 0. felinus.

occidens


450

BULLETIN
aclelstus

:

MUSEUM

OF COMPARATIVE ZOOLOGY

aureus

aglossus

Diagram

occidens

1

In addition, the epigyna of the females that are known have a
heavily selerotized posterior rim in the shape of a crescent or
bow as in Figures 47, 51, 53, 54. This species group consists
of 0. apollo and 0. floridanus, two closely related species in
the East, and 0. tridens, 0. pardus, 0. lynx, and 0. felinus, all
found in the southwestern United States.

A

comparison of the species in this group is provided in
a comparison of the apollo group to other species
of Oxyopcs is supplied by Table II. Only three species were
abundant enough in collections to construct Dice-Leraas graphs
in Diagram 4. These graphs indicate that 0. apollo and 0.
floridanus are morphologically very similar. These two species
are separated primarily by differences in the male palpi and
a greater abundance of spatulate hairs in 0. floridanus. These
slight differences are, however, indicative of reproductive iso-

Diagram 4 and

The fact that 0. floridanus is restricted to peninsular
Florida serves to support its recognition as a separate species.
Collections from intermediate geographic regions (Louisiana,
Mississippi, Alabama, and western Florida) will help to determine if these two species, as I have called them, are reproductively isolated.
The western species of the apollo group, which we can define
collectively as the tridens complex, are apparently all sympatrie
in a broad sense. They may be separated from one another altitudiually or by very restricted distributions within a geographic

area, such as in mountain ranges (geographic isolation) or in
lation.


BRADY

:

LYNX

SPIDERS OF

NORTH AMERICA

451

(ecological isolation). Oxyopcs tridens seems
have a relatively wide distribution, however, being found
at various altitudes and over a relatively wide geographic area.
The reason for the extreme rareness of the other three species of
the tridens complex (0. hjnx, 0. pardus, and 0. felinus) may

certain liabitats
to

be attributed to their habits.

All of the species of the apollo

group are apparently ground inhabitants, that is, they run or

hop about over bare ground. In the Southwest, Oxyopcs tridens aud related species have been collected as they jumped
about on dry hillsides strewn with boidders and smaller rocks,
but with very little vegetation. These species have been rarely
taken by sweeping vegetation, but they may occur on certain
types of plants when these are present.
It is significant to note that

who has

W.

II.

Whitcomb

(pers. com.),

numbers of Oxyopcs salticus
specimens of Oxyopcs aglossus by sweep-

collected extremely large

and a good number of
ing crop plants in Arkansas, has failed to collect even one specimen of 0. apollo by this method. Instead, O. apollo is recovered
rather frequently in pitfall traps laid flush with the ground.

The relationships of the six species that constitute the apollo
group are summarized in Diagram 2. This diagram is
based primarily upon morphological similarities, but takes into
account distribution as well. The male palpus of 0. felinus

species

does not have a patellar apophysis, but the color pattern, the
structure of palpal sclerites and the long fourth leg places it
near 0. tridens, 0. pardus and 0. lynx. Oxyopcs apollo and
0. floridanns are obviously very similar to each other.
apol

lo

floridanus

tridens

Diagram

pardus

lynx

Oxyopcs

felinus


BULLETIN

452

:

MUSEUM

OF COMPARATIVE ZOOLOGY

tridens, 0. lynx and 0. pardns could be placed in any sequence,
being equally alike or distinct. When the females of the latter

two species and 0. felinus are known, their relationships will become more clear.
The remaining two species of Oxyopes, 0. scalaris and 0. salficus, are very different from the other species north of Mexico
and in their proper context would constitute separate species
groups. Oxyopes scalaris, as has been pointed out, is similar to
0. ramosus and 0. heterophthalmus of Europe. Since 0. scalaris
is found as far north as Labrador we might hypothesize that
the progenitors of this species came from the Eurasian continent
by way of the British Isles, Iceland, and CTreenland, to Canada
where they occur today. Again, this migration must have occurred when the climate in these areas was warmer and more
favorable. There are no oxyopids known from Iceland or Greenland at the present time.
Oxyopes salticus bears some resemblance to the four species
in the acleistus group and might be placed with them in a subgeneric grouping. Comparison of 0. salticus and 0. scalaris with
other species of Oxyopes can be seen in Diagrams 5 and 6. In
Diagram 6, 0. apollo and 0. tridens have patella-tibia IV much
longer than I. This trend in the apollo group, for the fourth
patella-tibia to be longest, is evident in the figures in Table II
and is correlated with the great length of the fourth pair of legs.

KEY TO SPECIES OF OXYOPES
MALES
lb.

With distinct black lines on tlie ventral surfaces of femora I and II
Without distinct black lines on the ventral surfaces of femora I and

2a.

With a well-developed

la.

2

II
5

no tuft or brush of
the palpus.
2b.

With

retrolateral tibial apophysis

stiff

(Figs. 35-40)

hairs on the ventral surface of the patella of

Color pattern as in Figures 27-32

3

the tibial apophysis concave, no well-developed retrolateral tibial

apophysis, and with a tuft or brush of
of the patella of the palpus.

stiff

hairs on the ventral surface

Color pattern as in Figures 80-84.

With two
palpus

3b.

teeth at the base of the retrolateral

(Figs.

With only

35,

37)

Palpus

salticus

as in Figures 104, 105
3a.

and

til)ial

apophysis of

tiic

4

a single tooth at the base of the retrolateral tiliinl apoiiliysis

of the palpus

(Fig. 39)

(u/lussits


BRADY
4a.

Palpus with

a

:

LYNX

lar-^e

SPIDERS OF

NORTH AMERICA

lamellar apophysis and tibial apophysis forniiiiK

a less acute angle at the distal end (Figs. 35,
4b.

453

3(5).

Texas and Louisiana

aureus
Palpus with a small lamellar apophysis and tibial apophysis forming a
more acute angle at the distal end (Figs. 37, 38). Florida.
acleistus
A conspicuous apophysis on the patella of the palpus and/or dorsal
.

5a.

color pattern of longitudinal black

5b.

6a.

and white

stripes running the length

Leg IV longer than

of the body (Figs. 56-63).

.

leg I

6

Patella of palpus without apophysis and dorsal color pattern not black
and white stripes running length of body. Leg I longer than leg IV. 9

Color pattern of longitudinal black and white stripes running length of

body (Figs. 56-63)
6b.

7a.

7b.
7c.

7

Color pattern not black and white stripes running length

of

Pattern as illustrated in Figures 72, 73 or 76, 77
Palpus illustrated in Figures 70 and 71
Palpus illustrated in Figures 68 and 69
Palpus illustrated in Figures 66 and 67

body.
8

tridens
pardits

lynx

Palpus illustrated in Figures 64 and 65
felinus
8a. Palpus illustrated in Figures 74 and 75
apollo
8b. Palpus illustrated in Figures 78 and 79
floridanus
9a. Light yellow or golden in general appearance. Pattern illustrated in

Figures 25 and 26. Palpus in Figures 33 and 34
occidens
7d.

9b.

Eusset brown, dark brown or gray in general appearance.
lustrated in Figures 87 and 88.

Palpus

in

Figures 106-107

Pattern
.

.

.

il-

scalaris

KEY TO SPECIES OF OXYOPES
FEMALES
With

distinct black lines on the ventral surfaces of femora I and II
2
Without distinct black lines on the ventral surfaces of femora I and II 5
2a. Epigynum with an anteriorly directed scape (Figs. 91-96). Pattern
illustrated in Figures 85 and 86
salticus
2b. Epigynum without an anteriorly directed scape; with a more or less
la.

11).

well-developed posterior sclerotized rim or a heavily sclerotized transverse
3a.

bar

Epigynum

3

consisting of a

broad transverse bar

illustrated in Figures 9, 11, 12
3b.

4a.

4b.

Epigynum

(Fig.

22)

;

pattern
aglossus

consisting of a sclerotized transverse posterior rim that has

an anterior depression or with a less-heavily sclerotized transverse piece
4
disclosing a central cavity (Figs. 14 and 16, 19 and 20)
Central cavity of epigynum large, almost elliptical in shape (Fig. 19)
or enclosed by a transverse sclerotized bar in which case the epigynum
aelcisiufi
appears as in Figure 17 or 20. Florida
Central cavity of epigynum narrow, inversely T-shaped (Fig. 14) or
enclosed by a transverse sclerotized bar in which case the epigynum
appears as in Figure 16 or

17.

Louisiana and Texas

aureus